This Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we proudly highlight the work of Sheila Berbert, Resource Teacher and Special Education Department Head at Viewmont High School.
Berbert's roots are deeply tied to her heritage as the daughter of two educators. Both of her parents were the first in their families to earn college degrees, and they worked hard to provide Berbert and her siblings with opportunities for success. Her father was a high school physical education teacher, and her mother taught sixth grade. Raised in Hawaii, Berbert was influenced by both her Japanese culture and the diverse communities around her.
“My parents and my Japanese culture have taught me to value education and to work hard and to be grateful for everything I have,” Berbert said. “Their families sacrificed for them to get an education, and they worked hard to get their education.”
Despite facing challenges, Berbert has always remained dedicated to her work. As a college student at BYU Provo, she struggled academically at first. Even when discouraged by a low test score in American Heritage, she pushed forward and worked extra hard to finish her classes.
“I kept remembering the sacrifices my parents had to make to pay for my plane tickets, housing, books and my education,” Berbert recalled.
As a teacher, Berbert's biggest challenge has been helping students who struggle with math believe in their potential.
“There are days where math gets hard, but I try to help them one on one to build confidence,” she said. “I always love it when a student completes something they couldn't do a month ago or even a day ago.”
Recently, Berbert received an award for her students' exceptional growth in math, marking her as the first special education teacher to earn such recognition. This achievement is a testament to her dedication and the hard work of her students.
Berbert honors her culture through the values instilled by her parents—values like hard work, kindness and dedication. Two Japanese phrases, “kigatsuku” and “issho kenmei,” are particularly meaningful to her. "Kigatsuku" means to notice and act without being told, a principle Berbert applies every day in her classroom. “Issho kenmei” translates to doing one’s best and being dedicated to achieving a goal, a lesson her parents lived by.
“My parents taught me that whatever I did in life, it was important to work hard and give it my all,” Berbert said.
The impact Berbert hopes to make in her school and community is profound.
“I want each of my students to realize their potential and know they have someone who cares about them,” Sheila said.
Berbert offers words of encouragement and strength.
“Wherever you have come from or have started from, you can do great things," she said. "There may be challenges along the way, but don’t run away from them. Believe in yourself! You can do this!”